Towards Blockchain-Based Land Titles In Northern Ghana

Afrikanus teaches young people how to be entrepreneurs in Ghana. He works with Bitnation to issue blockchain-based title deeds and establish what he terms a “Free Economic Enclave” in northern Ghana, where the poorest parts of the nation are located.

Ghana, a nation of 27 million people, might not be considered a leader in blockchain technology. Nevertheless, a contingent of locals, led largely by Afrikanus, have worked towards bringing awareness of the blockchain to the people in the region.

He also works with Africa Youth Peace Call, a Ghana-based Pro-Liberty Organisation dedicated “to training a new generation of African Youth to be Independent Thinking & inclined towards a Free & Voluntary Society.”

“They’ve land in abundance without title deeds like all the other parts of the country,” Afrikanus tells CCN. “What we are doing currently is working with Bitnation and the traditional rulers to use the Blockchain to issue title deeds.”

Afrikanus hopes the work of blockchain advocates in the region will turn Ghana into a place “where start-ups and other investments can stimulate investment and accelerate the development of the northern region.” He says the project even works with traditional rulers in the region. He calls them an “integral part of Ghanian society.”

They are the custodian of the lands on behalf of the families. They settle disputes and adjudicate cases of their people. Their interest stems from the copious land litigation and communal strife that emanates from land. We’ve also educated them on the economic benefits of having a title deed. Our approach is working with the main chiefs so that they can also bring on board their sub-chiefs.

When I mention that, perhaps, transparency might not be of interest to rulers, he ripostes: “Their interest is to secure their lands and ensure peace & tranquility in their areas.” Afrikanus’ approach is to sway public opinion.”

He adds: “If the people come to understand the benefits to them, they can use their votes to force the politicians to come along,” he reasons. “If you don’t support the Free Economic Zone Enclave, don’t expect us to vote for you. You know?”

According to Afrikanus, the people of Ghana are very interested in blockchain technology and want to use it. Access, however, is a problem.

“There are no exchanges here,” he explains. “Last weekend, at the Libertarian Conference in the northern ciity of Wa, for instance, Tim Tayshun’s lecture and Spinning of the Bitcoin Wheel of Fortune was greeted with intense enthusiasm. Likewise, so has all the education I’ve done on Bitcoin in this country since 2012.”

Almost everyone in Ghana has internet access now on their phones and other ISPs. Afrikanus expects 120 people to attend CoinFest 2016 on August 8 in the country.

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